Former Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.
He made the shock announcement in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday during the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Summit as GOP candidates gathered to speak to this voting bloc.
Pence said it became increasingly clear that he could not win the Republican nomination.
‘You know, we always knew this would be an uphill battle. But I have no regrets,’ Pence assured.
He added: ‘The only thing that would have been harder than coming up short, would have been if we never tried at all.’
Former Vice President Mike Pence announced Saturday he is ending his 2024 bid for president
Pence explained that he originally launched his campaign in June because the U.S. is in ‘a lot of trouble.’
He said, however, that now is not his time to step-in to help.
‘The Bible tells us that there’s a time for every purpose under heaven,’ Pence said in closing his remarks at the Venetian Conference Center on the Vegas Strip.
‘Traveling across the country over the last six months, I came here to say – it’s become clear to me, this is not my time,’ the former vice president said with awestruck responses from the crowd.
He announced: ‘So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president, effective today.’
During his remarks about stepping aside, Pence received several, long-lasting standing ovations from the thousands of Jewish Republicans gathered to hear 2024 GOP candidates speak in Las Vegas on Saturday.
‘Thank you, Mike,’ one attendee was heard shouting.
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley was two speakers down the line from Pence at the RJC Summit on Saturday – and she had some sweet words for her now-former competitor.
‘A special point to Vice President Mike Pence – He’s been a good man of faith, he’s been a good man of service. He’s fought for America and he’s fought for Israel, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude,’ the 2024 hopeful said at the top of her remarks.
Pence invited his wife and former Second Lady Karen Pence (left) on stage Saturday as he thanked his campaign team and family for their support during presidential bid
Pence was moved when speaking to a crowd giving him love as he announced he is stepping aside.
‘To the American people I say, this is not my time, but it’s still your time,’ he said. ‘I urge you to hold fast to what matters most – faith, family, and the Constitution of the United States of America.’
‘Let me thank you all for the opportunity of serving as your Vice President. It was the greatest honor of my life.’